The verb vilify comes from the same root as the word vile which is a negative word.
MEANING:
1. To vilify someone is to spread nasty stories about them, whether true or not.
2. To speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner.
EXAMPLES:
1. The Nazi propaganda vilified the Jews
2. He has been vilified in the press
SYNONYMS: berate, belittle, abuse, insult, slight, attack, criticize, censure, condemn, decry, denounce, pillory, lambaste
